Albert Einstein once said,
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
Creativity can mean the difference between something good and something extraordinary. People who are creative tend to see things in a slightly different way, and may stick out from the crowd. (In a good way!) Whether you express your creativity through problem solving, design, or even how you dress, you can count on these 20 things being among your traits:
1. They think before they speak.
Creativity can sometimes just flow out of a person without warning or even any means of stopping it. But what makes highly creative people so different is that they learn to control their creativity. Thinking about how a creative idea applies to a certain situation and analyzing the effect it could have is what makes creative people unique. Harnessing their creativity is key.
2. They’re risk takers.
Not much creativity goes on in a box; that’s why thinking outside of it is so important. Creative people don’t limit themselves and go out on a limb to test their ideas.
3. They take care of themselves.
Taking care of oneself means something different to everyone, but highly creative individuals tend to take care to preserve their minds and their bodies to keep themselves in top shape. This can mean anything from mental wellness to physical fitness, but whatever the method, it’s important to maintain creativity.
4. They’re observant.
Taking in their surroundings and drawing inspiration from even the tiniest details is a major driving force behind creative people. Creativity has a basis in the already-existing world, and goes from there.
5. They’re humble.
Even the most creative and intelligent people in the world started somewhere. Creative people tend to see themselves as people who still have a lot of learning to do.
6. They ask questions.
Questions can mean the difference between a failed project and a successful one. Not only do questions guide people in their creative processes, but they also help creative people grow and branch out.
7. They never stop learning.
Creative people need constant fuel, and for them that comes in the form of constant learning. Creativity grows with knowledge, and creative people are always adding to what they know and using it to their advantage.
8. They follow their dreams.
Creativity is only properly unleashed when people are in the situations they want to be in; otherwise, it gets stifled.
9. They look for something new.
New experiences are opportunities for inspiration. Highly creative people tend to love exploring new things.
10. They look on the bright side.
Creativity is easily dampened by low spirits, so many highly creative people try to get over obstacles quickly and healthily so that they can channel their energy positively. They don’t tend to dwell on problems or get overwhelmed.
11. They stay out of their own way.
There is no better saboteur than yourself. Highly creative people often try to keep themselves in check and recognize when they are getting in the way of their work.
12. They don’t let themselves get too comfortable.
Too much routine can hinder creative growth. Many people shake things up every once in a while so that their outlook stays fresh.
13. They stare into space.
Daydreaming can be a great way to let your mind wander, and creative people tend to find this a great way to come up with new ideas.
14. They find inspiration everywhere.
Part of the beauty of a creative mind is that it isn’t limited in what inspires it. Inspiration can be found in even the least likely of places, and creative people are good at finding it.
15. They express themselves in many ways.
Even if interior design or painting isn’t a person’s forte, the creative individual sees everything as a way to express themself. Creative people often find many outlets for their ideas.
16. They’re perfectionists.
Nothing is worse than seeing what was a great idea in your head turn out to be not so great when it’s been done. Creative people take their work seriously, and they want their creative ideas realized in the way that they want.
17. They’re team players.
Many creative people recognize the talents and ideas of others and use this to create something even better than what they originally had in mind. Being team players helps creative people bounce their ideas off of each other, as well.
18. They get in the zone.
When they start working, they often go at it for hours on end. Getting lost in their work is common among highly creative people.
19. They bridge gaps.
Creative people tend to be able to see the connections between two seemingly unrelated things, which makes them more likely than others to solve problems.
20. They think for fun.
To stay sharp, highly creative people like reading, doing crossword puzzles, brushing up on their trivia — anything that will keep their mind in tip-top shape. And doing all of this is fun for them.
Featured photo credit: David Blackwell via photopin.com
